Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.
Billie Jean KingRead
I love to promote our sport. I love grass-roots tennis. I love coaching. I love all parts of the sport. I love the business side.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a deep passion for tennis and appreciation for all its aspects, from coaching to business.
Billie Jean King's quote expresses her profound love for tennis, emphasizing her commitment not only to the sport itself but also to its development at the grassroots level, coaching, and the business aspects that contribute to its growth. This enthusiasm highlights her belief in the importance of nurturing the sport and supporting its community, showcasing her dedication to making tennis accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a sports coaching seminar to inspire coaches.
Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.
Tennis taught me so many lessons in life. One of the things it taught me is that every ball that comes to me, I have to make a decision. I have to accept responsibility for the consequences every time I hit a ball.
A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.
Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.
I feel that tennis is an art form that is capable of moving the players and the audience - at least a knowledgeable audience-in almost sensual ways. When I'm performing at my absolute best, I think that some of the euphoria I feel must be transmitted to the audience.
I like putting money back into what made my life, and tennis has been great to me.
When I started playing, there were no teams and no structure, so I had to play with the boys. I get very emotional when I think about the humiliation that I've suffered playing football.
I don't look at football as a violent, barbaric sport. It's a very spiritual sport, especially for someone facing the challenges during a game: the fear of failure, the fear of getting too big an ego, of making a mistake and everybody criticizing you.
It's unbelievable. I changed the way Barcelona played. Now, Spain have had to change.
The only football players in my time were fellows who really loved to play football. They were not in it for the money. There wasn't much money there. They would have played football for nothing.
As a tennis player you can win and you can lose, and you have to be ready for both. I practised self-control as a kid. But as you get older they both - winning and losing - get easier.
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
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